By Ulan Djusupov, former Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to the UK
On 3 June 2026, the Kyrgyz Republic achieved a milestone that many once considered beyond the reach of a small landlocked country in Central Asia.
For the first time since independence, Kyrgyzstan was elected to the United Nations Security Council.
The victory was decisive. Competing against the Philippines, a respected country with extensive diplomatic experience, Kyrgyzstan secured 142 votes in the final round of voting, compared to 49 for its opponent.
For our nation, this was more than an election.
It was a moment of recognition.
Recognition of how far Kyrgyzstan has come since independence. Recognition of the growing importance of Central Asia. And recognition that even smaller states can make meaningful contributions to addressing global challenges.
This success did not happen overnight.
Over the past several years, Kyrgyzstan has pursued an active and pragmatic foreign policy under President Sadyr Zhaparov, while simultaneously advancing economic reforms, strengthening regional cooperation and expanding engagement with international partners.
Today, relations among the countries of Central Asia are stronger than at any point in recent history. Dialogue has replaced division, and cooperation is increasingly replacing competition.
At the same time, Kyrgyzstan has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the wider Eurasian region. Major projects such as the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway and the Kambarata-1 hydropower project are reshaping the country’s economic future and strengthening its role as a bridge between regions. The country has also taken important steps to integrate into international financial markets. Improving sovereign credit ratings, successful engagement with international financial institutions and growing investor interest in Kyrgyzstan reflect increasing confidence in the country’s economic trajectory.
Our election to the Security Council is, in many ways, a reflection of these changes.
Yet this victory belongs not only to Kyrgyzstan.
It is also a victory for Central Asia.
For decades, our region was often viewed through the lens of geopolitical rivalry. Today, it is increasingly recognized as a region of cooperation, connectivity and opportunity.
Kyrgyzstan will become only the second country from Central Asia to serve on the United Nations Security Council and the first to do so following the emergence of a new era of regional cooperation among the five Central Asian states. We are proud to carry this responsibility on behalf of our nation and to contribute to a stronger voice for Central Asia in global affairs.
Throughout our campaign, we focused on issues that matter to millions of people but are often overlooked in global debates: climate change, water security, food security, sustainable mountain development and the challenges faced by landlocked developing countries.
These are not abstract topics for us. They are part of everyday life.
As one of the world’s most mountainous countries, Kyrgyzstan understands how closely security, development and environmental sustainability are connected.
That is why in 2027 we will host the World Mountain Summit, bringing together leaders, experts and international organizations to discuss the future of mountain regions and the growing impact of climate change.
The Security Council seat gives us an opportunity to bring these voices into global discussions.
Of course, membership of the Council is not a reward. It is a responsibility.
The world faces armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, geopolitical tensions and growing uncertainty. No country, large or small, can solve these challenges alone.
But every country can contribute.
Kyrgyzstan intends to be a bridge-builder – advocating dialogue over confrontation, diplomacy over escalation and cooperation over division.
The vote on 3 June carried a simple but powerful message.
International peace and security should not be shaped only by the largest and most powerful nations.
Smaller states also have perspectives worth hearing.
For Kyrgyzstan, this election marks not the end of a campaign, but the beginning of a new chapter.
We are ready to contribute.
